WASHINGTON — Republican Congressman Mike Coffman wants to cut Congressional salaries by 10 percent and force federal civilian employees to take a two-week furlough in an attempt to cut costs, his office said today.

Coffman says the cuts would save taxpayers some $5.5 billion.

“Furloughs are becoming commonplace for state and local governments, and it’s only reasonable for the federal government to follow suit,” Coffman said. “At least 24 states have enacted similar budget-cutting measures, while the federal government continues to grow and rack up debt.”

The proposal would also cut Congressional office budgets and cut Congressional salaries by 10 percent, except some positions in public health, safety, national security and law enforcement.

Coffman makes $174,000 a year as a member of the House of Representatives.

DeGette was among the last high-profile Colorado Democrats to make an endorsement. Her geographic territory and leadership tenure largely overlap with Bennet challenger Andrew Romanoff, leading to some speculation she might have endorsed the former Colorado House Speaker.

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette

But DeGette said in a release Monday, “I am proud to offer my support today to Michael Bennet to continue his service to Colorado as our United States Senator.”

Her endorsement listed a number of issues they agree on, from the just-passed Wall Street reforms to protecting Colorado wilderness areas.

“Senator Bennet and I share a commitment to the natural resources of our great state, and he has voted to protect wilderness and secure our water supply. He has worked to protect jobs and create opportunities for Colorado families, and he fights every day to secure our nation’s fiscal future. Senator Bennet was also a champion for Colorado as we all worked to provide Americans with access to affordable health insurance coverage,” DeGette’s release said.

The announcement means all of Colorado’s Democratic Congressional delegation has now lined up behind Bennet for the Aug. 10 primary with Romanoff.

In an interview, Romanoff said he respects DeGette, and “I look forward to working with her in January.”

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.